How To: Prevent Battery Failure

We’ve all experienced the frustration that comes with a dead/faulty battery. Luckily, properly maintaining your battery and equipping yourself with a few of AutoZone’s handy battery solutions can help prevent battery failure!

Listed below are a few simple activities you can do that will make a big difference in protecting your car battery in the long run:

Disconnect Your Battery

In the event you will not be driving your vehicle for a few days (or months), it is important to disconnect your battery and store it in a climate-controlled area away from direct heat or sunlight. If you are unable to find such a space, battery blankets and battery warmers can be purchased to help insulate and protect your battery.

Drive More Frequently

A lesser known fact about car batteries is that shorter trips can decrease its life expectancy. This is down to the fact that your car’s battery obtains electricity from your alternator whilst driving, so shorter trips won’t allow adequate time for your battery to receive a sufficient charge. To ensure your battery operates for as long as possible, try take longer trips or drive more often.

Keep Your Battery Clean

To effectively keep your battery clean, start by inspecting the battery terminals. Inspect them for corrosion a few times each month, especially during the autumn and winter months. Automotive battery terminals often accumulate corrosion that can lead to decreased performance, damaged components, and harmful chemicals that could damage the rest of your vehicle. To remove the corrosion, simply use a wire brush to scrape it off.

Next, check for any signs of a build-up or leaking battery acid. If you notice acid leaking in your battery, it is highly advisable to replace your battery as soon as possible. Failure to do so could leave your battery or other critical components permanently damaged.

Invest in a Battery Charger

Battery chargers can be a lifesaver when you need it most. Most devices can plug directly into a household outlet and hook up to your battery terminals to charge your battery. However, AutoZone stock a portable jump starter that can be easily stored inside your vehicle for convenience on the go.

Avoid the stress and uncertainty and get your battery tested for FREE at your nearest AutoZone store and browse our comprehensive range of quality battery solutions – https://bit.ly/2NgaKZn

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this pamphlet.